SNOW TIPS: Red Cross offers winter driving tips

Feb. 8, 2013

As a major storm bears down on the region, the American Red Cross reminds people to take precautions when driving in inclement weather, according to a press release from the organization.

"The best thing to do is to avoid travel, if at all possible, during the storm," American Red Cross Northeastern New York Region spokesperson Caroline Boardman said in a statement. "Stay safe, stay home and give road crews the opportunity to do their job." If you must travel, Boardman said, there are important tips to keep in mind.

The National Weather Service reports that many people die each year when they attempt to leave their vehicle during a storm to walk to safety. Stranded drivers should stay with their car, tie a bright piece of cloth to the car's antenna or door handle and try to contact emergency personnel by mobile phone, according to the Red Cross statement.

While stranded, drivers should start and run their car for 10 minutes every hour, using the heater. Be sure that your exhaust pipe and radiator are clear of packed snow before running your engine. While the engine is running, partially open a down-wind window to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and to get fresh air into the vehicle.

Keep the vehicle's interior lights on while the engine is running. Avoid hypothermia by constantly moving your arms and leg; clapping hands will help keep you warm as well. Warning signs of hypothermia are memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, exhaustion and uncontrollable shivering.

Boardman reminds people to carry essential supplies.

"You should have some basics on hand - such as a flashlight, extra batteries and bottled water - in case you do get stuck somewhere. Also, be sure to carry a cell phone and car charger," Boardman said in the statement.

Other travel tips:• Keep tuned to the radio for the latest road conditions.• Drive with your headlights on.• Keep all your windows and all lights clear of snow for visibility.• Clear all surfaces of the car. Snow and ice blowing off the hood of your car can blind you or damage your windshield. Snow and ice blowing off your roof or trunk can blind drivers behind you or damage their vehicle.• Slow down when visibility is reduced; don't drive faster than your ability to see ahead on the road.• Leave extra space between your automobile and others on the road. All-wheel drive vehicles do not stop any better or more quickly than conventional vehicles.• Remember bridges and overpasses usually freeze before other roads. Use caution.• Make sure you are buckled up.